Footwear crampon

ABSTRACT

A crampon that includes a body extending lengthwise from a first end to a second end, widthwise between a first edge and a second edge, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface, the crampon including points projecting in the area of the supporting surface. The body includes a first portion extending lengthwise from the first end to a first limit, and a second portion extending lengthwise from the second end to a second limit, the crampon including a fastening system that includes an envelope and an arrangement for connecting the envelope to the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 13/01594, filed Jul. 4, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a crampon adapted to be affixed to an article of footwear, such as a shoe. Such crampon may be used in disciplines such as mountaineering, walking or running on snow or ice, climbing frozen waterfalls, and the like. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a crampon and an article of footwear, such as a shoe.

2. Background Information

Conventionally, a crampon comprises a body extending lengthwise from a first end to a second end, widthwise between a first edge and a second edge, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface. In fact, the body is dimensioned so that the receiving surface receives the sole of the shoe. The crampon includes points projecting in the area of the supporting surface, in order to be anchored into the ground, and thus prevent slipping. Generally, the body comprises a first portion extending lengthwise from the first end to a first limit, and a second portion extending lengthwise from the second end to a second limit.

Such an embodiment is disclosed by way of example in the document FR 2 722 067. According to this document, the first portion and second portion are connected to one another by a bridge, which serves in particular to adjust the length of the body. Each portion includes points, thereby enabling forward and rearward anchoring of the crampon. The latter also includes a binding, that is to say, a system for fastening to the shoe as defined in the standard NF EN 893: 2011-01. In general, the binding includes one or more retaining members for retaining the shoe in the area of the receiving surface. A crampon according to the document FR 2 722 067 is satisfactory insofar as it allows movements on snow or ice in safe conditions. However, this crampon, as well as others with different but similar structures, has disadvantages.

First, it is poorly suited, if at all, for walking or running with a flexible or relatively flexible shoe. Indeed, in this case, the transmission of supports between the shoe and the ground is imperfect. The perception of sensory information is also imperfect. In fact, interfering movements are observed between the shoe and the crampon; such movements impede the progression of the user.

Another disadvantage observed is that of fatigue related to the weight of the crampon according to the document FR 2 722 067. Indeed, the rigidity desired for safety is achieved by a heavy structure, the body and the points being thick metal parts. The bulkiness of the crampon imparts a substantial mechanical inertia thereto, which is a source of fatigue for the user, especially during long runs in the mountains.

Further, the shoe associated with the crampon is also quite heavy, because the rigidity and the degree of insulation that it must provide are substantial. In the end, the assembly comprising a crampon and the associated shoe is bulky, which is a source of fatigue.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, the present invention generally improves a crampon adapted to be affixed to an article of footwear, such as a shoe. The invention also improves an assembly including a crampon and a shoe or, more broadly, an assembly including a crampon and an article of footwear. More specifically, the invention facilitates walking with a crampon, and even makes walking as natural as with a pair of flexible shoes. In other words, the invention enables good foot rolling movement (flexing as the heel is raised, for example), good transmission of supports between the shoe and the ground, and good perception of sensory information.

The invention also reduces user fatigue.

To this end, the invention provides a crampon comprising a body extending lengthwise from a first end to a second end, widthwise between a first edge and a second edge, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface, the crampon comprising points projecting in the area of the supporting surface, the body comprising a first portion extending lengthwise from the first end to a first limit, and a second portion extending lengthwise from the second end to a second limit, the crampon comprising a fastening system.

According to the invention, the fastening system of the crampon comprises an envelope and an arrangement for connecting the envelope to the body.

The envelope is designed to cover a large surface of the article of footwear that it receives. This means that the contact surface between the envelope and the article of footwear, in the context of the invention, is very large compared to the contact surface between a binding and a shoe for a crampon according to the prior art. Thus, in the invention, the transitions of supports and sensory information occur in the area of a large surface of the user's foot. It advantageously follows that the transmission of supports between the shoe and the ground is very good, and that the perception of sensory information is also very good.

Another advantage is reduced user fatigue. Indeed, the shoe associated with the crampon is lighter because it is flexible or relatively flexible. Thus, the assembly comprising a crampon and the associated shoe is lightened.

Generally speaking, the invention improves a crampon adapted to be affixed to an article of footwear, such as a shoe, as well as an assembly comprising the crampon and the article of footwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention may be embodied, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of an assembly comprising a crampon and an article of footwear according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the assembly according to FIG. 1, in a case in which the crampon is affixed to the article of footwear;

FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of the crampon of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an assembly comprising the envelope of the crampon and the article of footwear, exclusive of the body;

FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of an assembly comprising a crampon and an article of footwear according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 5, in a case in which the crampon is affixed to the article of footwear;

FIG. 7 is a perspective bottom view of the crampon of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a crampon according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The first embodiment described below relates to crampons for mountaineering, walking, and running on snow or ice, and climbing frozen waterfalls. However, the invention applies to other fields in which the use of such crampons is required.

The first embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

An assembly 1 comprising a crampon 2 and an article of footwear 3 is shown for example in FIG. 1. The crampon 2, provided to be affixed to the article of footwear as described below, conventionally comprises a body 4 extending lengthwise from a first end 5 to a second end 6, widthwise between a first edge 7 and a second edge 8, and heightwise between a supporting surface 9 and a receiving surface 10. The supporting surface 9 is adapted to face the ground, whereas the receiving surface 10 is adapted to receive the article of footwear 3.

The crampon comprises points 15 projecting in the area of the supporting surface 9, as can also be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. By way of non-limiting example, the crampon comprises ten points 15, including two in the area of the first edge 7 and towards the first end 5, two in the area of the first end 5, two in the area of the second edge 8 and toward the first end 5, two in the area of the second edge 8 and towards the second end 6, and two in the area of the first edge 7 and toward the second end 6. The points follow one another longitudinally in the area of an edge. This number of points 15 and their distribution are not limiting, and another arrangement may be provided.

The body 4 comprises a first portion 16, namely the front portion, which extends lengthwise from the first end 5 to a first limit 17, and a second portion 18, namely the rear portion, which extends lengthwise from the second end 6 to a second limit 19. The first limit 17 and second limit 19 are each located between the first end 5 and second end 6 of the body 4. In a non-limiting manner, and still according to the first embodiment, the first portion 16 and second portion 18 are connected to one another by a bridge 20. This bridge, as understood with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, is associated with the portions 16, 18 so that the distance between the portions 16, 18 can be adjusted or changed. In other words, as is known to one of ordinary skill in the art and not described in detail here, the bridge 20 cooperates with the first and second portions 16, 18 to adjust the size of the crampon 2.

The crampon 2 further comprises a fastening system 21 for retaining the article of footwear 3 on the body 4.

According to the invention, the fastening system 21 comprises an envelope 22, as well as a connecting arrangement that connects the envelope 22 to the body 4. The covering of the article of footwear 3 by the envelope 22 is extensive in the sense that the contact surface between the article of footwear and the envelope 22 is much larger than the contact surface between a fastening system and an article of footwear according to the prior art. Due to its structure, the invention allows for a good transmission of supports, impulses, and sensory information.

Still according to the first exemplary embodiment, the envelope 22 extends lengthwise from a front end or tip 25 to a rear end or heel 26, widthwise between a lateral portion 27 and a medial portion 28, and heightwise between a base 29 and an upper end 30. As shown, the envelope 22 comprises a first portion or lower portion 31 adapted to cover the foot through the article of footwear 3, and a second portion or upper portion 32, extending the lower portion in a direction away from the base 29, the upper portion 32 being provided to cover at least the ankle of the user, or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg. The envelope 22 has a continuous structure imparting properties thereto, such as imperviousness, good thermal insulation, mechanical strength, and the like.

In fact, according to the first embodiment of the invention, the envelope 22 has a continuous structure between the first end 5 and second end 6 of the body 4, and the envelope 22 is open on the side of the body 4. This enables the article of footwear 3 to take support directly on the body 4, on the receiving surface 10, while being covered by the envelope. The transmission of forces and sensory information is optimized.

In a non-limiting manner, the article of footwear 3 is a flexible low upper shoe. This means that the upper of the shoe 3 includes a lower portion 33 and no upper portion, i.e., no portion designed to extend above the ankle area. As a result, when the crampon 2 receives the shoe 3, the lower portion 31 of the envelope 22 covers the lower portion 33 of the shoe, whereas the upper portion 32 of the envelope directly covers the ankle and/or a portion of the lower leg of the user. The envelope 22 therefore performs functions that are complementary to those of the shoe. In particular, the envelope insulates and protects the ankle and/or the lower leg.

In a non-limiting manner, the envelope 22 includes an opening and closing mechanism 34, 35, 36. This mechanism includes a slide fastener 34, such as a zipper, and hook-and-loop fastener 35, 36, such as a Velcro® fastener. However, other structures are also within the scope of the invention. In any case, this facilitates the insertion of the shoe 3 in the envelope 22, and its extraction therefrom.

The envelope 22 also includes a tightening mechanism 37. For example, the tightening mechanism includes a strap 37, the length of which is adjustable, as is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. This makes it possible to tighten the envelope for better retention of the shoe 3 on the body 4.

The connecting arrangement for connecting the envelope 22 to the body 4 includes, for example, a front connecting mechanism 41, a central connecting mechanism 42, and a rear connecting mechanism 43, as described below.

In a non-limiting manner, the connecting mechanisms 41, 42, 43 include linkages. Each linkage may be removable or irremovable, or may form a unitary element, that is, one-piece with the envelope or, alternatively, may constitute an element associated with the envelope. The linkages of the mechanisms 41, 42, 43 are flexible, for better application of the envelope onto the shoe.

The connecting mechanisms 41, 42, 43 provide a spacing between the first portion 16 of the body 4 and the envelope 22. Similarly, the connecting mechanisms 41, 42, 43 provide a spacing between the second portion 18 of the body 4 and the envelope 22. Consequently, the envelope only covers the top of the shoe 3. This optimizes the ability of the crampon 2 to follow the rolling movements of the foot during walking or running.

Indeed, the bridge 20 is flexible, thereby enabling the body 4 to flex and, therefore, to follow the rolling movements of the foot. For example, the bridge 20 comprises an inextensible but soft flexible metal blade, or an inextensible but soft flexible synthetic material blade, or a plurality of blades of this type.

According to the first embodiment, the bridge 20 may be bent according to an angle value equal to or greater than 20 degrees without damage or irreversible strain. Such a characteristic makes the crampon particularly suited to mountain running.

FIG. 4 shows that when the connecting mechanisms 41, 42, 43 allow a relative separation of the body 4 and envelope 22, the latter can be affixed alone to the shoe 3. This provides the shoe with additional properties due to the envelope, in a case in which the points 15 are not necessary.

The other embodiments are described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. For reasons of convenience, the elements shared with the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

The second embodiment, according to FIGS. 5-7, features an assembly 1 with a crampon 2 and an article of footwear 3. What is specific to the second embodiment is that the envelope 52 has a discontinuous structure between the first end 5 and the second end 6 of the body 4, the envelope 52 comprising a first portion 53 and a second portion 54. This facilitates the adjustment of the size of the crampon 2, as it is easy to adjust its length.

The second portion 54 includes an opening and closing mechanism 55, formed here by a slide fastener. This makes it easier to attach or detach the crampon, that is to say, to insert or extract the shoe.

Also, the second portion 54 comprises tightening mechanism 56, formed here by a strap of adjustable length. This improves the stability of the heel of the foot on the body 4.

By way of example, the opening and closing mechanism 55 is arranged in the area of the rear end 6 of the body 4. This preserves this mechanism and the envelope 52 against the intrusion of any foreign bodies, debris, etc.

For the third embodiment according to FIG. 8, the opening and closing mechanism 65 of the second portion 54 are arranged away from the rear end 6 of the body 4. This makes it easier to attach and detach the crampon.

The invention is made from materials and uses techniques of implementation known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, the envelope may be inextensible or, conversely, reversibly extensible, entirely or only for certain subdivisions.

Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein. 

1. A crampon comprising: a body extending lengthwise from a first end to a second end, widthwise between a first edge and a second edge, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface; points projecting in the area of the supporting surface; the body comprising a first portion extending lengthwise from the first end to a first limit, and a second portion extending lengthwise from the second end to a second limit; and a fastening system comprising an envelope and a mechanism designed to connect the envelope to the body.
 2. A crampon according to claim 1, wherein: the envelope has a continuous structure between the first end and the second end, and wherein the envelope is open on the side of the body.
 3. A crampon according to claim 2, wherein: the envelope comprises an opening and closing mechanism.
 4. A crampon according to claim 2, wherein: the envelope comprises a tightening mechanism.
 5. A crampon according to claim 1, further comprising: a connecting arrangement providing a spacing between the first portion and the envelope.
 6. A crampon according to claim 5, wherein: the connecting arrangement further provides a spacing between the second portion and the envelope.
 7. A crampon according to claim 6, wherein: wherein the connecting arrangement comprises linkages.
 8. A crampon according to claim 1, wherein: the envelope has a discontinuous structure between the first end and the second end, the envelope comprising a first portion and a second portion.
 9. A crampon according to claim 8, wherein: the second portion comprises the opening and closing mechanism.
 10. A crampon according to claim 8, wherein: the second portion comprising the tightening mechanism.
 11. A crampon according to claim 9, wherein: the opening and closing mechanism is arranged in an area of the rear end of the body.
 12. A crampon according to claim 9, wherein: the opening and closing mechanism is arranged away from the rear end of the body.
 13. A crampon according to claim 1, further comprising: a bridge connecting together the first portion and second portion.
 14. A crampon according to claim 13, wherein: the bridge is flexible to allow the body to flex.
 15. A crampon according to claim 14, wherein: the bridge is bendable to an angle value equal to or greater than 20 degrees without damage or irreversible strain. 